ISO 22818:2021

Overview

ISO 22818:2021 specifies a chromatographic method for the determination of short‑chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs, C10–C13) and middle‑chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs, C14–C17) in textile products. The standard targets articles and components where these substances are used or present as additives - for example, polymeric coatings, plastisol prints and polymer buttons (e.g., PVC). The analytical route combines solvent extraction (toluene) with a sulfuric acid clean‑up and detection by gas chromatography coupled to negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC‑NCI‑MS) using defined calibration mixtures and specific ion traces for SCCP and MCCP quantification.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Quantification of SCCP and MCCP in various textile matrices (coatings, prints, buttons).
• Analytical principle: Solvent extraction (toluene), acid clean‑up, GC‑NCI‑MS analysis.
• Calibration and standards: Defined calibration solutions that emulate typical technical mixtures (SCCP ~59% Cl, MCCP ~55% Cl); use of an internal standard (lindane) for recovery assessment.
• Sample preparation essentials: Homogenization of single material test specimens, extraction at controlled temperatures (ultrasonic bath), filtration and phase separation prior to GC‑MS.
• Detection strategy: Use of multiple ion traces (four for SCCPs and four for MCCPs) to cope with complex mixtures of chain lengths and chlorination degrees.
• Quality considerations: Recovery checks for internal standard, interference assessment for overlapping masses, and prescribed chromatographic/peak evaluation approaches to improve comparability.

Applications and who uses this standard

ISO 22818:2021 is intended for:

• Testing laboratories performing regulatory compliance and product safety testing for textiles.
• Textile manufacturers and finishers monitoring flame retardants, plasticizers and finishing agents in coatings and prints.
• Retailers and brand compliance teams verifying that articles meet restrictions on persistent organic pollutants.
• Regulatory authorities and auditors assessing conformity with restrictions such as the Stockholm Convention listings and regional rules (e.g., REGULATION (EU) 2019/1021). Practical uses include routine screening, compliance verification, supplier monitoring and investigative testing of coated fabrics and polymeric accessories.

Related standards and references

• Normative reference: ISO 4787 (laboratory glassware - volumetric instruments).
• Regulatory context cited in the standard: Stockholm Convention (SCCPs listed) and EU Regulation 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants.
• Developed by ISO/TC 38 (Textiles) in collaboration with CEN/TC 248.

Keywords: ISO 22818:2021, SCCP MCCP in textiles, GC‑NCI‑MS, chlorinated paraffins testing, textile testing standard, short‑chain chlorinated paraffins, middle‑chain chlorinated paraffins.